< Overwhelming (9) >
When Director Ahn Ga-bok suddenly blurted out a comment, all the foreigners gathered in the meeting room turned their attention to him. From the general producer of ‘Pierrot’ to all the staff members.
“hmm?”
“her-”
Each team had a Hollywood insider. They all focused on director Ahn Ga-bok. He was the director of ‘Pierrot’, so he had a strong influence, but what he said was quite unexpected. The one who asked back was a female producer who was standing alone in front of a T-shaped desk and seemed to have a strong impression. She narrowed her eyes slightly.
“···Auditions or screen tests in public? In other words, are you talking about open auditions?”
I already understood it, but the interpreter translated it for Director Ahn Ga-bok, and he nodded slowly and answered in pretty good English.
“That’s right. It’s just my opinion, but I think it would be a good idea to make the auditions and screen tests for ‘Pierrot’ public.”
By the way, ‘Pierrot’ was supposed to have the audition and screen test on the same day. Anyway, if it were Korea, it would have been decided by Director Ahn Ga-bok’s words, but this was Hollywood. He was practically hired, and the decision-making power was with the producer or the film company.
However, even in Hollywood, the power of the director was not weak.
It’s not as tyrannical as in Korea, but producers, film companies, and hired directors tend to follow their wishes. It was a sign of respect. Furthermore, director Ahn Ga-bok is currently a very hot director in Hollywood. In terms of issues and career.
Still, the key staff in the meeting room were in an uproar.
“In public? Will the actors follow?”
“It must be hard, since actors have high self-esteem to begin with.”
“What is the reason?”
Everyone’s curiosity came out of the female producer’s mouth.
“Public- Is there a reason you thought so?”
In Korea, open auditions are quite common, but in Hollywood, they are not unheard of, but they are rare. This is especially true for top-tier actors. Of course, director Ahn Ga-bok was not unaware of this. He said this while wiping his wrinkled cheeks.
“First of all, I think it would be better to compare the actors’ tensions on set immediately rather than filming them separately and assessing them.”
“hmm-”
“It may be my greed, but the emotional line of ‘Pierrot’ is definitely not easy. To be honest, I also don’t want to make a mistake due to a small mistake.”
Director Ahn Ga-bok has made 100 movies. He has made countless choices and decisions and certainly has many regrets. As his career has accumulated, he has become dull, but those regrets have transformed into lingering feelings and settled in his mind. This time will be no different. Even though Hollywood and Korea have completely different production systems and thus have a relatively lower sense of responsibility, Director Ahn Ga-bok had no intention of taking this Hollywood debut lightly.
“It’s no exaggeration to say that ‘Pierrot’ is all about the actors, and I want to reduce my mistakes accordingly.”
Several female producers and staff members nodded. At that point, Director Ahn Ga-bok continued speaking.
“Secondly, I think that the actors need to acknowledge each other. ‘Pierrot’ is unique, challenging, and unconventional, and because of that, it has attracted a lot of attention from the media and the industry. I hope that there won’t be any unnecessary rumors during the actor selection process.”
“······That’s what we want as well. Rather than judging the actors’ skills, I think that recognizing and acknowledging each other’s different analyses and performances will create a more flexible atmosphere, right? Internally or externally.”
To put it simply, it’s about blocking out noise and nonsense in advance. Director Ahn Ga-bok also had other thoughts.
‘If Woojin takes the role-‘
There was a high possibility that false rumors would spread, such as that director Ahn Ga-bok’s influence was involved. That would severely damage the reputation of director Ahn Ga-bok and Kang Woo-jin. This is something that must be avoided at all costs in one’s first Hollywood venture.
Then, director Ahn Ga-bok opened his mouth again.
“Lastly, I want to make sure that the actors are truly passionate about their roles.”
In other words, it means that you can see pride, arrogance, and a desire to win the role. Well, this part was also Director Ahn Ga-bok’s pure stubbornness. But he didn’t show stubbornness.
“It’s a proposal, and it doesn’t have to be made public.”
The female producer’s handling led to a brief conversation with the staff. Everyone’s opinions were completely different, but there were more people who slightly agreed with Director Ahn Ga-bok’s idea. Soon, the female producer folded her arms and made a decision.
“I respect the director’s suggestion, I will pass it on to the candidate actors.”
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At this time, a fat man among the foreign staff raised his hand and asked a question.
“Hmm- I don’t think the other actors will be that shaken up, but is Kang Woo-jin okay? After all, it’s his first time in Hollywood- and everything must be unfamiliar.”
Director Ahn Ga-bok was quick to answer.
“He’s fine. No, among the actors, Kang Woo-jin is probably the most calm.”
Dozens of staff tilted their heads. On the other hand, a gentle smile appeared on Director Ahn Ga-bok’s wrinkled lips. This was because he was reminded of Kang Woo-jin with his firm face.
‘Rather, I would welcome it, since it has created a stage for monsters to run wild.’
A few hours later.
One night, when night fell in LA, some unexpected news was delivered to some of Hollywood’s top actors. The starting point was Columbia Studios, one of Hollywood’s “Big Five.” Namely, they were asking for opinions from the male lead candidates for “Clown.”
Top Hollywood actors who had already passed the preliminary meeting for ‘Pierrot’ naturally had an absurd reaction.
“What? You’re going to make the auditions and screen tests public?”
“Well, I just got a call from Columbia Studios. It felt more like they were asking for my opinion than confirming anything.”
“What is that? Going public means that the actors have to watch each other act.”
“yes.”
“······It’s uncomfortable. Is it really necessary to do that?”
“Not at all. But on the contrary, there is no reason not to do it.”
“Why?”
“Because I have confidence.”
However, it wasn’t a long and wild ride. Currently, ‘Columbia Studio’ has officially announced the male lead candidates to the world. In other words, the actors were aware of each other’s competitors and were conducting research.
“And if you reject this, you might end up with the image of running away.”
“ah.”
“Because other actors might take it lightly. Especially Chris Hartnett. He likes challenges.”
“······hmm.”
“It would be weird to ask other actors, if only we were the ones to reject this.”
“It looks like I’m the only one who’s scared.”
“Right, of course, if you say you don’t want to do this work, then I don’t have to agree to it.”
“What are you talking about? I told you. The script for ‘Pierrot’ is better and more entertaining than anything I’ve seen in years. I’m so greedy.”
That’s why Hollywood actors are gradually starting to think in a more accepting direction. Naturally, Kang Woo-jin’s name was also mentioned.
“That’s great, I was wondering why Kang Woo-jin was involved in this, now I can see it for myself.”
He was the only Korean actor in ‘Pierrot’ and was so well-known among Hollywood actors that it was even more so. Chris Hartnett was overly welcoming compared to other actors.
“Public means we can also see Kang Woo-jin’s acting, right? I agree. That’s great. I actually wanted to ask for it to be public.”
“ask?”
“I wonder if I can watch him perform. But if everyone can watch it fairly without having to do that, then there’s no reason to refuse.”
Chris, who had a shallow connection with Kang Woo-jin compared to other actors and had left a strong impact from their first meeting, responded very quickly.
“Tell them that I will definitely go public.”
As a result, most actors came to a similar conclusion. Each had different circumstances, but for Columbia Studios, it was no problem.
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and.
“Woojin.”
This news was also delivered to Kang Woo-jin in Korea. It was around the time when the whole country was in an uproar over Woo-jin’s Hollywood debut. Due to the time difference, it was a day later in Korea in the afternoon, but it was almost the same time. Kang Woo-jin had finished his morning schedule and was filming a commercial.
“Yes, sir.”
Choi Sung-geon had nothing to hide.
“I got an urgent email from Columbia Studios. They asked if I could make the audition and screen test for ‘Pierrot’ public.”
Kang Woo-jin, whose face is filled with indifference.
‘What’s that? Is that something you would ask in an emergency? Is it because it’s Hollywood?’
It didn’t matter whether it was the core or the concept. It didn’t matter whether it was public or private.
“It doesn’t matter.”
“Yeah, I know your answer. You know what I mean? When they say it’s public, they literally mean that all the Hollywood tops, their key staff, and executives will all come together to watch the performance.”
Kang Woo-jin’s answer was the same. No, it was more resolute than before.
“I guess I can get rid of it in one go.”
After that.
Time has passed. Wednesday the 15th has already dawned, and by this time, Hollywood’s Columbia Studios, which had sent unexpected news to the potential actors a few days ago, had decided to hold open auditions and screen tests.
“How about the end of January for the audition/screen test?”
“I guess it would be better if the year-end and New Year atmosphere had eased up a bit.”
“Then January 28th?”
The official audition and screen test date was being set. At the same time, Hollywood was abuzz with ‘Pierrot’. The new work from ‘Columbia Studio’ was an issue because it was so great, but it became an issue once again when the title and the male lead candidates were announced.
Although other Hollywood actors, such as Chris Hartnett, were frequently mentioned, foreign media often mentioned Kang Woo-jin’s name.
The rumors were also excessive in Hollywood.
For the mega-film company Columbia Studios, there were many firsts or challenges. In any case, the year-end in Hollywood was definitely hot with ‘Pierrot’.
Then on the 16th.
Kang Woo-jin could be found at a large-scale year-end party held by a major domestic company. It was natural since he was an advertising model, and the reporters who attended the party.
“Woojin!! Give me some information about Hollywood!! When will it be over!”
“Are you talking to Director Ahn Ga-bok??!”
“Are you competing with those top Hollywood actors that were announced?! Are you confident?!!”
“What is the content of the work ‘Pierrot’?”
“Have you by any chance discussed any other Hollywood productions!!”
“How do you feel about being the first Korean actor to make his Hollywood debut?”
“Mr. Woojin! Mr. Kang Woojin!! Please give me a brief comment!”
Actors, staff, etc. all asked Kang Woo-jin similar questions. Woo-jin, who had a poker face, was honestly starting to get annoyed.
‘Oh, my ear hurts. Well, I understand since it’s my first time – but it’s a mess every time I go, so I’m a bit tired. This can’t be done, subspace.’
But I had to endure it.
The one who ascends the throne must bear the weight of the crown. Up until now, there have been some domestic actors who have made it to Hollywood or something similar, but there have been no Korean actors who have taken on the lead role in a Hollywood production. No, even in Asia as a whole, there are very few. Especially for actors in their second year.
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But this is just the beginning. Of course, only a few people, including Kang Woo-jin, know about it.
There were three places that came up during my recent trip to Hollywood. ‘Columbia Studios’, Joseph’s ‘Universal Movies’, and ‘World Disney Pictures’. If you list them, you’ll find that three of Hollywood’s ‘Big Five’ are connected to Kang Woo-jin.
‘No, ‘Pierrot’ alone is causing this much chaos – if the rest of them are released, it’ll be more like a volcanic eruption?’
While Kang Woo-jin stood out like this, things related to him also progressed steadily.
『’Hollywood Advance’ Kang Woo-jin’s ‘Beneficial Evil’, Covered Again by Foreign News While Full-scale Editing Begins』
『’Leech’, ‘Strange Parasite’ Korea-Japan Cross-Opening Imminent, Kang Woo-jin Promotes It Well!』
It was around this point.
A strange rumor began to circulate in a domestic film-related community.
-[I heard a rumor that Disney is going to make a live-action version of one of their representative works??]
-[What are you talking about all of a sudden? There hasn’t been a single rumor about it.]
-[The text belowㅋㅋㅋㅋIt seems like another aggro player has appeared]
-[It’s obvious that foreign media will go crazy when rumors of a Disney live-action adaptation spread. LOL. Right now, all there’s talk about is the clown Kang Woo-jin.]
-[What rumor?? Tell me]
-[No aggro feeding]
This community covers both foreign and domestic films, and is number one in Korea in terms of user size.
-Oh, that’s not aggro, lol. I live in LA and there’s a real rumor going around that Disney is preparing a live-action version of Beauty and the Beast??
For some reason, ‘Beauty and the Beast’ popped out.
